Andragogy is the antonym of pedagogy. In pedagogy, the concern is with transmitting the content, while in andragogy, the concern is with facilitating the acquisition of the content. Andragogy is a theory developed by Knowles (1913-97) which differentiates the needs of adult learners from those of juveniles and uses the term andragogy to describe the specific methods which should be employed in the education of adults.
• The adult learner moves towards independence and is self-directing. The mentor encourages and
nurtures this development.
• The learner’s experience is a rich resource for learning. Hence mentoring includes discussion,
problem-solving etc.
• People learn what they need to know, so that learning programmes are organised around life application.
• Learning experiences should be based around experiences, since people are performance centred
in their learning.
Andragogy requires that adult learners be involved in the identification of their learning needs and the planning of how those needs are satisfied. Learning should be an active rather than a passive process. Adult learning is most effective when concerned with solving problems that have relevance to the learner’s everyday experience.